Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before their meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, May 25, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his official visit to Turkiyeon Monday. Both leaders conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations, according to media reports.
Sharif arrived in Turkiye on Sunday as part of a two-day visit during his ongoing four-nation tour to friendly countries, which also includes Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. During his visit, he participated in a high-level, delegation-level meeting with President Erdogan, as reported by state broadcaster PTV News.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasised the importance of joint ventures and increased bilateral investment. He highlighted key areas of potential collaboration, including renewable energy, information technology, defence production, infrastructure development, and agriculture. The discussions centred on advancing mutual interests and deepening cooperation in these sectors.
Both leaders conducted a thorough review of the full spectrum of bilateral relations and reiterated their shared resolve to enhance their strategic partnership. They also agreed to pursue concrete steps to achieve the previously agreed annual bilateral trade target of USD 5 billion.
“We also reviewed the ongoing progress of our multifaceted bilateral engagements, particularly in trade and investment, and reaffirmed our resolve to continue working closely to further strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation,” Prime Minister Sharif wrote on social media platform X.
Sharif expressed gratitude to President Erdogan for Turkiye’s support during a recent military confrontation between India and Pakistan. Tensions escalated between the two neighbours following the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. India launched precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on terrorist infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during the early hours of May 7. In retaliation, Pakistan attempted to target Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. Hostilities on the ground ceased following military-level talks, culminating in an understanding between the Directors General of Military Operations of both countries on May 10 to halt further military activity.
Prime Minister Sharif was accompanied at the meeting by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar. The interaction was described as “warm and most cordial,” with both sides reaffirming the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye. The relationship, the report noted, is anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for progress and prosperity.
With PTI inputs